GDG- attempting to use me, at the same time you would injure me

[Dennis Lawrence]

To George W. Rives [1]
G. W. Rives, Esq Springfield,
Dear Sir: Decr. 15- 1849

On my return from Kentucky, I found your letter of the 7th. of November, 
and have delayed answering it till now, for the reason I now briefly state. 
 From the beginning of our acquaintance I had felt the greatest kindness 
for you, and had supposed it was reciprocated on your part. Last summer, 
under circumstances which I mentioned to you, I was painfully constrained 
to withhold a recommendation which you desired; [2] and shortly afterwards 
I learned, in such way as to believe it, that you were indulging open abuse 
of me. Of course my feelings were wounded. On receiving your last letter, 
the question occurred whether you were attempting to use me, at the same 
time you would injure me, or whether you might not have been misrepresented 
to me. If the former, I ought not to answer you; if the latter I ought, and 
so I have remained in suspense. I now enclose you a letter [3] which you 
may use if you think fit. Yours &c. A. LINCOLN
Annotation

[1]   . See Lincoln to Rives, May 7, 1849, below

[2]   Presumably because he was recommending for the same office his friend 
Anson G. Henry    http://www.tiny.cc/fj7il

[3]   This letter of recommendation is presumably not extant.

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To George W. Rives  (1)
Hon: G. W. Rives Springfield,
Dear Sir: May 7. 1849

Your letter of the 25th. ult was received on the 1st. Inst. You overrate my 
capacity to serve you. Not one man recommended by me has yet been appointed 
to any thing, little or big, except a few who had no opposition.

Besides this, at the very inaugeration I commenced trying to get a Minesota 
appointment for Dr. Henry, and have not yet succeeded; and I would not now, 
lessen his chance, by recommending any living man for any thing in that 
Teritory. It is my recollection that you sent me an application to be P.M. 
at Paris. Am I mistaken? Very truly Yours A. LINCOLN
Annotation

[1]  George W. Rives of Edgar County was seeking appointment as register of 
the land office in Minnesota.


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On December 15, 1791, the new United States of America adopted the Bill of 
Rights, http://www.loc.gov/rr/program/bib/ourdocs/billofrights.html